The Conservative Party retains control of Surrey and West Sussex County Councils following the local elections last week.  

Dorking Hills saw the highest turnout in the East Surrey area at 48%. The average turnout in Surrey was 36%.  The Conservatives gained Godstone from UKIP, and Caterham Valley saw a Liberal Democrat gain from the Conservatives.  The Liberal Democrats held Caterham Hill with a majority of just 12 votes.  The Leader of Surrey County Council, David Hodge, held Warlingham for the Conservatives, and Surrey’s only Green seat was held by Jonathan Essex for Redhill East.  

Of the nine divisions in Crawley, Labour won five wards in the town to the Conservatives four; the Conservatives gained one seat from Labour in Three Bridges. There was a recount at Southgate and Gossops Green where Michael Jones held Labour by a majority of just 23 votes.  

In Maidenbower, a by-election took place following the resignation of Councillor Ken Trussell; the seat was held by the Conservatives.